Customer Reviews
Every single fact and detail is here. - By: Ned Middleton, 11 Jun 2006 
Admiral Lord Nelson, the most successful naval commander of all time, died on board his flagship HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgarin 1805. Arguably the world's most famous ship, HMS Victory was never decommissioned by the Royal Navy & is now the world's longest serving warship.
Writing this review as someone who, primarily, conducts research into ships but also as one who builds model ships, this book is ideally suited for either purpose. Beginning with an explanation of "First Rate" ships & a list of all those which held that rating, author John McKay takes the reader briefly through a career summary of HMS Victory before moving on to her design & construction. From here on he leaves no stone unturned as he describes each & every facet of the ship - right down to how many tons of salt meat or biscuits she would carry.
Everything from her various repairs & refurbishments to the more specific aspects of her steering gear, ground tackle, pumps, boats, sheathing, accommodation, masts, rigging, yards, sails - & so the list goes on, is fully explainedin excellent detail.
The equally excellent photography is only eclipsed by the ultra-high standard of technical drawings which cover every aspect of the ship.
One final point; This excellent series of books include a scale drawing of the vessel to which the book refers on the reverse side of the dust jacket. These are sometimes overlooked.
Altogether a "First Rate" book.
NM
What is left to know? - By: , 24 Oct 2003 It is hard to believe that such detail can be attained & amassedin a more accessable form!
My viewpoint was from that of a life-size modeller. I have all the details from this magnificent book to completely recreate the HMS Victory & ALL her detail.
The book covers History, Manning, On-board customs & day-today running of this vessel, incredibly detailed plans of standing/running rigging, sails, ship furniture, frame, scarfing joints, euqipment, etc.
If you are interestedin the slightest about this vessel, or a seasoned researcher, there is certain to be a host of details that will be new to you if this is your first read.
I do not believe that a more accurate or detailed book could be published on this matter.
A nautical must!
WHAT CAN I SAY, GET A COPY - By: Robert Lester, 03 Aug 2000 I purchaced this from an antique store, as it is as hard to get as hens teeth, & I imagine it will sell out quickly again this time. It is NOT a novel or picture book, it is a detailed reference material from the keel up, with schematics of every frame & plank, mast & yard, & every other obscure detail you can imagine. You poms are lucky enough to have the old girl parkedin portsmouth, it is the zenith of shipbuilding.
